An assortment of thoughts, inspirations, fiction and old fashioned rambling.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

MANDI ~ A TOY STORY

MANDI

I was a farm kid in NY back in the late 40's and until 1958. Life was simple. We probably didn't have a lot of money, but we were rich in love. My two sisters and I got toys for Christmas and our birthdays. That was pretty much it. The rest of the year, if we had anything new, it was homemade. A cradle for a small doll made out of a Quaker Oats box, large buttons on a string that whirled when we twisted the string and lots of construction paper and glue projects. We were NOT spoiled in any way. But of all of my toys, one was the most special. Meet Mandi….

Mandi was my first doll. My Mother made Mandi out of an old pair of Dad's socks. I imagine money was tight because Mom was very pregnant with my sister when my first birthday arrived. So, with a lot of love, Mom cut, stitched and stuffed a doll for me. I don't remember, of course, but I've been told it was love at first sight!

I still have Mandi. She is almost 60. Somewhere along the way, she lost her eyesight (buttons) and got a few holes, but loved nonetheless. When she was 50, I decided maybe she would like to have a dress. After all, she had been naked for 50 years! So I stitched up a dress for her….

As you can see, the simplest toy can become a treasure! My Mom stitched and stuffed those old black socks - for the love for her child. She embroidered a mouth - added buttons for eyes – for the love for her child. Mom said I carried that doll everywhere and slept with her too. I don't remember that. I don't even remember naming her...she has simply always been Mandi. I don't remember that there was little money for a little farm baby's first birthday... But, I do look at that old doll and see the love of my Mother. Yes – I remember the LOVE.

Oh I love her Darlene! I remember a lady we knew when I was a kid that made sock babies like this, only she did animals of various kinds and stuffed them with old nylons. I loved to go over there and watch her work!

Thank you soooo much for the "sweetest post" comment. As for the dress, I just threw it together - nothing fancy - to give as much of a folk look as I could. Faded material would have been better... Do you still have your doll?

That is priceless!! What a wonderful story!!! My mom made me a Raggedy Ann when I was little and I still have her. She sits astride one of my husband's toy tractors in top of the cupboards in my kitchen. I should have wrote about her, but I didn't think about it till I read your charming story.

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About Me

I'm happily married and totally devoted to my Husband. I love my family.
A recent retiree, I am loving life and the freedom that comes with retirement. I worked hard for 42 years...now I play.
I have a passion for my Bible and wrote many Bible studies and/or inspirational pieces. Shortly after retirement, I began to write fiction short stories. Am still exploring my writing talents (or not).
I am pretty much a solitary person... I make a terrible friend because my focus is on my husband, family and home. But, I am a fairly good casual friend and a great internet friend.